During the pandemic, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) accelerated the development of its online platform: you can now view the status of your tax balance or refund, communicate with the IRS, make tax payments, and view any activity on your account – all online! Below the latest on the services that are available:
1/ How to set up your online access
To sign up for your online account, you will need a mobile phone that can receive a security code SMS. To ensure a secure access, the IRS has set up a thorough authentication process that will check your identity.
To set up your online access: click here
2/ How to obtain a copy of your tax records
Once your online access is set up, you can view your tax due, your tax payment history and other key information of your most recent tax return. You can also request a copy (transcript) of your last tax return filed.
To obtain a transcript: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/get-transcript
3/ How to view your notices
The IRS issues a notice when it has questions about a tax return you filed, or when it assesses penalties on your account. You can now view these notices immediately once issued – in your online account.
To view these notices: click on “Notice & letters tab” in your online account.
4/ How to check the status of your refund
You can check easily the status of your tax refund – using the refund tool. To use this online tool, you will need to identify yourself by entering your tax number (SSN or ITIN), your filing status and the amount of the refund shown on your tax return. The tool will display the progress of your tax refund in 3 phases: “return received”, “refund approved”, and “refund sent”. The tool is updated every 24 hours.
To check your tax refund status: https://www.irs.gov/refunds
5/ How to pay your taxes with just one click!
You can pay your taxes online using one of the 3 service providers below:
a/ Payment with Direct Pay
This service allows you to pay tax with a checking account free of charge. The system even accepts foreign bank account settlement if the foreign bank is affiliated with a US bank and has a 9-digit routing number . The system does not accept SWIFT codes.
To pay with Direct Pay: https://www.irs.gov/payments/direct-pay
b/ Payment with a Credit card / Debit card
This service accepts most US and foreign cards including Amex, Discover, Mastercard, Visa. The service will charge a fee up to 2% of the amount (Credit Card) or $ 3.95 per transaction (Debit Card).
To pay with a card: https://www.irs.gov/payments/pay-taxes-by-credit-or-debit-card
c / Payment with eftps.gov
This service is the official US administration system (Electronic Federal Tax Payment system EFTPS) for individuals and businesses. It provides a secure way for individuals and businesses to make a tax payment. The registration to this system is free, secure and can take up to 7 days.
To pay with EFTPS: https://www.irs.gov/payments/eftps-the-electronic-federal-tax-payment-system
6/ How to apply for a payment plan
In case you cannot pay the full amount of your taxes, you can request additional time to make the payment, set up a payment plan and even apply for a reduction in the tax due.
To know more: Options for tax debt
7/ How to get answers to your tax questions
The new IRS online platform provides the latest tax information and tips. You can submit your general tax questions online to the tool “Interactive Tax Assistant” and get immediate answers.
To access the assistant: https://www.irs.gov/help/ita
Bear in mind the date of this article as tax laws change over time
For assistance with your international tax needs, please contact Karine Bauer, EA, JD – HERE.
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Updated: June 22nd, 2022